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Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Sylvinho signs for City!

It's funny how the transfer market works sometimes. We have just spent the best part of two months arguing, bargaining, dealing, negotiating, and pleading with Everton for the services of Joleon Lescott. It has been a bitter feud played out in the media, thanks mainly to David Moyes' ramblings.

Then, you have transfers like that of Sylvinho from Barcelona. One day of speculation on Sky Sports, then bang — it's on the Official Site.

The 35-year-old left-back (yeah he's that old I'm afraid) has joined Manchester City from Barcelona on a free transfer. He has signed a one year deal, and will wear the number 16 shirt.

It is a strange deal, on the surface it's one that seems to go completely against City's current transfer policy. Hell at 35, and a free transfer, I'm surprised he didn't go to the Rags! But reading what Mark Hughes has to say on the matter, the deal suddenly makes more sense:

"Sylvinho has a wealth of experience at the very top level, having represented Brazil and played for some of the very top clubs in Europe," declared the boss.

"When the chance presented itself to bring him to Manchester City as a free agent I saw it as representing excellent business for us. Sylvinho won the European Cup last season at Barcelona and he will strengthen our defensive options."

If you overlook his age, he is the perfect Mark Hughes signing. He was a regular in the Brazilian squad. He has Premier League experience. He has won countless trophies. He has won the Champions League twice. He is a winner, and Hughes likes winners. You can't buy the experience that Sylvinho has... actually you can, and we just did...

He may well be another Glauber, and never play for us (those eight glorious minutes against Bolton aside). But as emergency cover for Wayne Bridge, it's hard to find reasons why this is a bad move.